Louis van Gaal is hoping to make a marquee signing to lift the mood around Old Trafford, but The Sun reports that the Red Devils are set to miss out on their main targets Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

However, United certainly need more options in the attacking areas of the field, having endured a poor recent run, so it is little surprise that the club have turned to Anderson as a possible solution.

The 22-year-old has been one of the few bright points from a difficult season for Lazio. His four league goals makes him the side's top goalscorer. And while that total is not the most inspiring - especially if United have to spend £45m to bring him to Old Trafford - his record is much more impressive considering that he has started just 10 of his 17 Serie A appearances this term.

And with United's style of play coming in for severe criticism recently - van Gaal's men have not won in eight games in all competitions, and have only scored five times during that run - Anderson may be the answer. His pace, especially when the ball is at his feet, may be able to provide the excitement that United fans have been crying out for.